Newsbeat

May 8, 2018

GC's Lowry named to all-Maryland Academic Team

Southern High graduate one of 24 community college students selected for squad

Angela Lowry was determined to make the most out of her Garrett College experience.

Mission accomplished!

Lowry – president of the Garrett College chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and vice president of the college's PTK International Honor Society chapter – has been named to the all-Maryland Community College Academic Team. The Southern Garrett High graduate, who has a 3.9 college grade-point average, was one of 24 Maryland community college students honored at last Wednesday's Phi Theta Kappa awards dinner at Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center.

"I'm very honored and humbled to be included amongst so many other hard-working and diligent students throughout the state," Lowry said of her selection to the all-state second team. "It felt wonderful to realize that all the effort and spirit I put into everything I do at Garrett College is worthy of being rewarded."

Lowry's selection was greeted enthusiastically by Garrett College faculty and staff who know her well.

"Angela is an exceptional student with a passion for giving back to her community," said Tracie Ellis, GC's director of student development. "She has a strong commitment to helping others – including over 200 service hours – while also maintaining an excellent GPA. One of the keys to her success is her complete dedication to everything she is involved in."

Dr. Jeff Reitz, professor of mathematics and faculty advisor for the college's PTK chapter, said Lowry's approach to his statistics course was a perfect example of why she is so successful.

"By her own admission, math isn't Angela's strongest subject," said Dr. Reitz, "but she enrolled in my statistics course with the right attitude. She realized you just have to pay attention to definitions and learn the concepts. She was willing to have an open mind and figure out what was required to be successful."

"Angela Lowry is the true embodiment of a model student," said Ashley Ruby, director of the college's Advising and Academic Success Center (AASC), who lauded Lowry's success as a peer tutor and honors student in addition to all of her other college-related activities. "This driven young woman has found success through tenacity, ambition, and poise. Her impact on this institution will be felt by many long beyond her graduation."

Lowry – who serves as executive vice-chair of the Maryland Higher Education Commission's Student Advisory Council and historian for the Maryland Youth Advisory Council – credited the Garrett College faculty and staff with strongly influencing her college success.

"If it was not for them, I would not have become as successful and empowered as a student as I am today," said Lowry, who has also participated in student government, the student ambassador program and two study-abroad trips while at GC. "I'm grateful for everyone on campus who helped me directly as well as those who work ‘behind the scenes'. I truly would not be here without all of their advice, support and encouragement."

Lowry, who plans to major in psychology at Frostburg State University, cited her high school psychology teacher – Douglas Oxford- as being a major influence.

"He sparked my initial passion for psychology," said Lowry, whose current goals include attending medical school to study psychiatry. "As I have continued to study psychology at Garrett College, I have become even more excited about the opportunities I can have in the field."

Lowry also credited her parents – Theresa and John Lowry – for their supportiveness.

"Without their love and guidance, I don't know where I would be today," said Lowry, who graduates from GC on May 19th.

"It seems like every event or activity I attend I find Angela somehow involved," said Midcap. "And she manages all of this while still being an outstanding student. Her all-state selection is clearly well-deserved."

Garrett College student Angela Lowry, second from right, displays the medal she received in recognition of her selection to the All-Maryland Community College Academic Team. Pictured with Lowry are, left to right, GC Dean of Academic Affairs Qing Yuan, GC PTK Faculty Advisor Jeff Reitz, and GC President Rich Midcap.

Garrett College student Angela Lowry displays the certificate she received in recognition of her selection to the All-Maryland Community College Academic Team.